Heceta Head Lighthouse
A working 19th-century lighthouse offering stunning ocean views, historic charm, and a unique B&B experience on the Oregon Coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and fog
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Best Time
Beat the crowds and fog
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A working 19th-century lighthouse offering stunning ocean views, historic charm, and a unique B&B experience on the Oregon Coast.
"This is my favorite place I ever did stay – truly magical!"
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills fast! Aim for before 10 AM, or use the pull-off on Hwy 101. :car:
Pack Layers for Weather
Coast weather changes fast! Fog, sun, wind – be ready for anything. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Florence, OR
Iconic, working 19th-century lighthouse offering stunning Pacific views and a glimpse into maritime history.
Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast
Onsite
Stay in the historic keeper's cottage for a unique, romantic getaway with breathtaking ocean vistas.
Scenic Hiking Trails
Surrounding the lighthouse
Explore trails through coastal forests to elevated viewpoints for panoramic ocean and lighthouse vistas.
Heceta Beach
Adjacent to the lighthouse
A beautiful stretch of sand perfect for beachcombing, tide pooling, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Weather & Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills fast! Aim for before 10 AM, or use the pull-off on Hwy 101. :car:
Pack Layers for Weather
Coast weather changes fast! Fog, sun, wind – be ready for anything. :cloud:
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is weak to non-existent. Plan your route and download maps beforehand. :iphone:
Respect B&B Privacy
The keeper's house is a private B&B. Admire from the outside and enjoy the lighthouse grounds. :house:
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills fast! Aim for before 10 AM, or use the pull-off on Hwy 101. :car:
Pack Layers for Weather
Coast weather changes fast! Fog, sun, wind – be ready for anything. :cloud:
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is weak to non-existent. Plan your route and download maps beforehand. :iphone:
Respect B&B Privacy
The keeper's house is a private B&B. Admire from the outside and enjoy the lighthouse grounds. :house:
Support Oregon State Parks
A $10 parking fee helps maintain this beautiful spot. Worth it! :moneybag:
Explore Higher Viewpoints
Beyond the main path, steeper trails offer incredible panoramic views. Watch your step! :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Heceta Head Lighthouse for its breathtaking beauty, iconic status, and unique B&B experience. Many highlight the stunning ocean views and the charm of the historic lighthouse. Some note that parking can be challenging during peak times and advise visitors to be prepared for variable coastal weather.
"As part of a family reunion trip we visited the Heceta Head Lighthouse with 16 people, including four children under 13 years old and a nine month old baby. We spent several hours at this magical place making lifetime memories. For older folks or anyone who struggles with uneven surfaces, the hike up the hill overlooking the lighthouse may be too challenging. There is bench seating, restrooms, and helpful park staff at ground level next to the lighthouse. You can visit the ground floor of the lighthouse to speak with wonderful volunteers about the lighthouse history. The stairs to the top of the lighthouse are not open to the public. Your experience at the lighthouse that overlooks Heceta beach will change with the weather. We arrived to overcast skies with fog and temp in the high 50s. Two hours later the sun was out with temp in the low 70s and we were peeling off layers of clothing. The parking lot in front of the beach was full. There is overflow parking across the street, under the bridge. We somehow missed any signs about paid parking ($10, I think) and had a ticket when we returned to our car. Not a big deal at all. We are happy to support Oregon State Parks. I highly recommend making time to visit Heceta. The drive from whichever direction you approach the park is also beautiful."
Teresa J. Ladd
"I visited here the middle of august. By 10:00 a.m. there weren't any parking spots. You can park along the 101 in a large pull off. Southbound lane at the entrance of the park. There is an easy walk up to the lighthouse and another trail that goes up higher and above it for great vistas. Super busy in the summer but worth it. Great views of the historic Bridge built in the 1930s."
Darin Lesmeister
"The hike up is not only fairly easy, but it’s scenic too! We went at around 10:00 - 11:00 am and it was foggy. The hike up is about half a mile, though it’s windy and goes uphill. There is no to very weak cell service, so be prepared.
Once you get to the top, there’s also more trails that go further up the hill near the lighthouse itself. You’ll get better views there. However, there’s some steep drop-offs as you climb up with no barriers, and it might pose a risk if someone trips on a stick or something. Try not to drop anything if you’re climbing up those trails, and keep a close eye on children.
Though I would’ve liked the weather to be clear and sunny, the fog just made things even better!
There are picnic tables near the beach at the start of the trail, and there’s also a restroom."
Anonymous
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Heceta Head Lighthouse is located on the scenic Oregon Coast, about 12 miles north of Florence and 14 miles south of Yachats. It's directly off Highway 101. If arriving from Portland without a car, it's challenging. Public transport options like buses are limited and may require significant transfers and walking. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility.
Yes, there is a main parking lot, but it fills up very quickly, especially during peak season. Overflow parking is available across Highway 101, and you can also park in a large pull-off on the southbound lane of Highway 101 at the park entrance. Be aware of the $10 parking fee.
Visiting without a car is difficult. While some Reddit users mention bus travel to the general area, reaching the lighthouse specifically without a car would involve significant walking or potentially expensive taxi services. Renting a car is the most practical option for most visitors.
The drive along Highway 101 to Heceta Head Lighthouse is incredibly scenic, with stunning coastal views. The approach to the park itself is beautiful, winding through coastal forests.
The main path to the lighthouse is a moderate uphill hike and may not be fully accessible for wheelchairs. However, there is bench seating and restrooms at ground level near the lighthouse, and volunteers are available to share history.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee to visit the grounds of Heceta Head Lighthouse. However, there is a $10 parking fee per vehicle to support Oregon State Parks.
The grounds and trails around Heceta Head Lighthouse are generally accessible during daylight hours. The lighthouse itself is a working lighthouse, and the keeper's house is a private Bed & Breakfast.
The stairs to the top of the lighthouse are not open to the public. You can visit the ground floor of the lighthouse to speak with volunteers and learn about its history.
The Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast is a private accommodation. While you can admire its exterior and the grounds around it, access inside is reserved for guests.
While there are no formal guided tours, volunteers are often present at the ground floor of the lighthouse to share historical information with visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic lighthouse grounds, hike to viewpoints for stunning ocean panoramas, visit the adjacent beach, and learn about the lighthouse's history from volunteers. The B&B offers a unique stay experience.
The main trail to the lighthouse is a moderate, uphill hike of about half a mile. There are also steeper, unbarricaded trails that lead to higher viewpoints, offering more dramatic vistas.
Some visitors and content creators mention the lighthouse or keeper's cottage being allegedly haunted, adding a layer of intrigue to the visit.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the rugged Oregon coastline, and the iconic lighthouse itself. The higher trails offer even more expansive vistas.
Yes, there are restrooms and picnic tables available near the beach at the start of the trail, making it a great spot for a break.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly at Heceta Head Lighthouse. The historic keeper's house is a Bed & Breakfast that offers breakfast for its guests. For other dining options, you'll need to travel to nearby Florence or Yachats.
Yes, there are picnic tables available near the beach, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch with a view of the ocean and lighthouse.
The Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast is known for its exceptional multi-course breakfast, often described as a 7-course meal, for its guests.
Florence, located about 12 miles south, offers a variety of dining options, from casual seafood shacks to more upscale restaurants. You can find fresh local catches and diverse cuisines.
Yachats, about 14 miles north, also provides charming dining experiences, often focusing on local ingredients and Pacific Northwest flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
The classic view from the main trail is a must. For more dramatic shots, hike up the steeper trails for elevated perspectives. The beach area also offers great angles, especially during golden hour.
Early morning can offer soft light and fewer crowds, while sunset provides beautiful golden hour hues. Fog can also create a dramatic, moody atmosphere.
Absolutely! Many visitors find the fog enhances the mystical and dramatic atmosphere of the lighthouse, creating unique photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse and its expansive surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national and state parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's best to check current regulations with Oregon State Parks before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the steeper, unbarricaded trails; stick to the main path for younger children. Restrooms and picnic areas are available, making it easy to spend a few hours here. The volunteers at the lighthouse ground floor are often happy to engage with children and share interesting facts.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Capture the classic view from the main trail, or venture up steeper paths for unique aerial perspectives. Golden hour at sunset or the moody atmosphere of a foggy morning can create stunning images. The B&B's charming architecture also makes for beautiful shots. Remember to check drone regulations if you plan to use one.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Even for a day trip, the scenic beauty, the sound of the waves, and the historic ambiance make it a perfect spot for a romantic stroll or a picnic with a view. The sunset here is particularly magical.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heceta Head Lighthouse B&B Experience
Guests rave about the exceptional service and the delicious, multi-course breakfast served daily. It's a popular spot for romantic getaways and special occasions, with staff going above and beyond to make events memorable. Booking well in advance is crucial, as rooms are limited and highly sought after.
While the B&B itself is private, its presence adds to the allure of the location, offering a glimpse into the lives of lighthouse keepers of the past. The surrounding grounds are accessible, allowing day visitors to appreciate the beauty of the B&B's setting.
Navigating the Trails and Viewpoints
For those seeking more dramatic perspectives, steeper, unbarricaded trails branch off from the main path. These lead to higher vantage points overlooking the lighthouse, the coastline, and the historic bridge. Adventurous visitors can explore these for truly breathtaking photo opportunities, but caution is advised due to the steep drop-offs and lack of barriers.
Remember that cell service is very weak or non-existent in this area, so it's wise to download offline maps before you arrive. The trails wind through coastal forests, offering a pleasant contrast to the open ocean views.
The History and Significance of Heceta Head Lighthouse
+1The lighthouse was named after Spanish explorer Bruno de Heceta. The adjacent keeper's house, built in 1905, now serves as the Bed & Breakfast. The site also features a historic bridge, built in the 1930s, which adds to the picturesque scenery.
Volunteers at the lighthouse ground floor are a fantastic resource, eager to share stories and historical facts about its operation and the lives of the keepers. Their insights bring the history of this maritime landmark to life for visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit